Letter: Candidates should disclose religious beliefs

Saturday, March 4, 2006 | 7:21 a.m.

According to a statement of principles signed by the 55 Catholic Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, and posted March 1 from Rep. Rosa DeLauro's office on the Democratic National Committee Web site, it is pretty clear to me that their religious beliefs trump their duties to their pro-choice constituents.

The statement says: "We ... agree with the Catholic Church about the value of human life and the undesirability of abortion - we do not celebrate its practice. Each of us is committed to reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies and creating an environment with policies that encourage pregnancies to be carried to term."

That makes it pretty clear to me that they are part of the pregnancy-enforcement team and no one that I would choose to vote for. Yet, I appreciate the clarity. This is important information for the public to know.

As a citizen of Nevada, I would also appreciate it if the Mormons and the Southern Baptists did the same. It's quite clear to me that they have religious agendas that take precedence over their civil duties to some of us. Those who run for public office, especially judgeships and school board members, should include their religion or lack thereof in their campaign literature. That way there will be no hidden agendas.

I think that's fair to ask. I shutter to think that I might vote for an anti-choice judge or school board member unaware.

Shirley Braverman, Las Vegas